Utility appeals Henderson’s rejection of power line plan

NV Energy filed an appeal Thursday in Clark County District Court after Henderson officials denied the company's request to upgrade a small power line to a major electrical utility transmission corridor through residential areas.

The proposal seeks to turn the approximately 30-foot-tall wooden poles with one circuit and three wires into 110- to 130-foot-tall metal poles, the equivalent of 12 stories high, with the capacity to carry up to four circuits and 20 lines each.

The six-mile route begins at the city limit north of Weston Hills and extends to the Equestrian Substation at Henderson's southeastern edge.

"We have a tremendous obligation to our 800,000-plus customers here in the valley to offer power at the lowest cost," said Dave Rigdon, NV Energy government affairs executive.

The line would run through Henderson's Section 4, Tuscany and Weston Hills neighborhoods.

Ward 3 Councilwoman Kathleen Boutin, who represents the Tuscany neighborhood, said she doesn't believe it's in the best interest of the community to upgrade the poles.

Several possible alternative routes, which were created at the request of the city Planning Commission, also would establish transmission lines near residents, Rigdon said. The alternative routes would cost an additional $5 million to $19.5 million.

The Planning Commission unanimously denied the request June 25, and the City Council upheld the decision Aug. 4.

Contact View reporter Lauren Romano at lromano@viewnews.com or 477-3839.